India Financial News

Gold prices crossed the ₹80,000/10 gm mark for the first time Wednesday, data from the top industry body showed, underscoring renewed safe-haven demand for the metal from investors riled by anticipated uncertainty in the securities markets in the immediate aftermath of a seemingly disruptive Donald Trump presidency. A dollar retreat globally has also helped prices head north. The metal closed at ₹80,194 per 10 gms for 24-carat in the physical market, data from the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) showed. A weakening dollar and bullion's enduring safe-haven allure with investors have helped prices harden, said IBJA and the bullion trade, although prospects of retail jewellery purchases through the remainder of the wedding season have become rather circumspect after the price increases.

Indian equities worth ₹36,082 crore across 19 sectors between January 1 and 15, according to NSDL data. Financial services continued to bear the brunt of unabated foreign selling, as these investors dumped shares worth ₹12,204 crore in the first 15 days of January after pumping over ₹3,000 crore into the sector in December. Overseas investors pulled out over ₹58,000 crore from the sector in 2024. «Financial services have significant weight in the index and are some of the most liquid counters, which explains why the foreign selloff is aggressive in the sector,» said Saurabh Patwa, portfolio manager and head of research at Quest Investment. «Banks have, however, relatively decent results and there could be a revival of foreign flows in the sector.»

Property developers are losing flavour on Dalal Street as risk-off sentiment in equities is prompting investors to cut exposure to these shares considered richly valued after the two-year rally. The Nifty Realty index, comprising 10 top shares in the sector, plunged 4.6% on Wednesday after dropping 4.1% the previous day. The Nifty 50 was up 0.6% at close on Wednesday.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: The budgetary allocation for the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF), established to build buffer stocks of farm produce and check sudden rises in food prices, may see a marginal increase in the upcoming budget for FY26, with the Department of Consumer Affairs expected to receive an increase of up to 3%, bringing its allocation to ₹10,300 crore, according to two people aware of the matter. This increase for FY26 is aimed at supporting the procurement of pulses, onions, and potatoes for buffer stocks, given the estimated rise in the production of key staple food items.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The Nifty and the Sensex experienced a rise, driven by HDFC Bank's solid third-quarter results, which uplifted market sentiment. However, the overall optimism was curbed by declines in energy, metal, and state-run bank stocks.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. A worrying trend is emerging for India Inc. as the third-quarter results trickle in.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Government's withdrawal of demand incentives for small pick-ups has sharply slowed the adoption of Tata Motors’ Ace electric truck, a beneficiary of the erstwhile FAME-II subsidy scheme to promote electric vehicles (EV) in India. EV penetration for the Ace lineup had risen to nearly 10% in the final quarter of FY24, driven by a significant pre-buy as customers anticipated the end of the incentives.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Donald Trump has announced a $500-billion venture called Stargate (the name is inspired by sci-fi) to build AI-focused data centres and other infrastructure in the US. The aim is to lead in AI, create 100,000 jobs, and outpace China.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Dark stores are scrambling for workers to pick, pack and load a range of goods, as a quick commerce funding boom sparks breakneck expansion across hundreds of India's towns and cities. Open positions for so-called under-the-roof workers have shot up, industry specialists said, as companies aggressively expand their networks to realize growth ambitions.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: Indian Railways is preparing itself for a big increase in allocations for laying new train tracks in the upcoming budget as part of efforts to modernize the network, deploy fast train and rail travel safer. The plan is to raise allocations for new tracks to over ₹50,000 crore in FY26, a 50% increase over budgeted expenditure for FY25, according to two persons aware of the development.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The Union budget 2025 has provided a good opportunity to consider measures that can further support the insurance sector, which is fundamental to fostering a secure and resilient economy, supporting both individual and collective financial well-being. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s (Irdai) vision of ‘Insurance for all by 2047’ aligns closely with India’s broader ambition of becoming a developed economy within a similar timeframe.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. “Time is what keeps everything from happening at once," noted author Ray Cummings.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. As India celebrates over 75 years of independence, a significant challenge continues to hinder the progress of our democracy: the inability of the justice system to deliver timely justice. The numbers are staggering—over 5 crore cases are pending in courts across the country, with many taking 15-20 years to reach resolution.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Mumbai: The stock market regulator is examining a potential violation of the Companies Act by HDB Financial Services 17 years ago as the non-bank lender prepares for a $1.5 billion initial public offering (IPO), three people aware of the matter said. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) found that the lender in 2008 issued shares to more than 50 employees of its parent HDFC Bank through a private placement, one of the three people said.

Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), they said.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. As India aims to emerge as the Skill Capital of the World, a vision fuelled by the potential of its youth and the aspirations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020; it’s a journey that must be driven by shared effort. With over 65% of our population under 35, the opportunity to unlock the potential of this demographic dividend is immense.

Mazagaon Dockyards Limited (MDL) qualifying after technical trials and moving to the next stage of techno-commercial negotiations.

Indian dining scene is a feast for the senses, and at the pinnacle stands Gaggan. This iconic restaurant — a culinary wonderland nestled in a charming, colonial-style villa — run by chef Gaggan Anand, features two floors with intimate, enclosed rooms.

Team India registered a dominating seven wicket victory over England in the first T20I at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday. Team India chased down the target of 133 runs in just 12.5 overs.